Sonoma Wine Country Healdsburg at its Heart

Sonoma Wine Country: Healdsburg at its Heart

I was not at all surprised to read the story in Drink Me Magazine about how the tiny town of Healdsburg in Sonoma Valley is becoming a deluxe wine destination. In fact, it has already been a deluxe wine destination for those in the know. This particular article highlighted 5 of my all time favorite wineries:

  1. Gustafson. Dan Gustafson, former real estate developer, spotted his new project, located just above picturesque Lake Sonoma, in 2002. He quickly fell in love with the location and promptly bought the eighty-seven acre parcel. Utilizing the fertile volcanic soil, Dan planted five acres of vines. The young vineyard blossomed into a stunning showcase for Cab, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zin. Most of the land serves as an ecological preserve. The brand boasts a robust mailing list. Customers love the wines, the brand philosophy of ecological awareness and gorgeous views.
  2. Jordan. This winery has long been an object of enormous admiration, and a brand that is equally revered by industry peers and consumers. From day one, founders Tom and Sally Jordan had a clear vision. They fulfilled it by building a stunning chateau, and filling their winery cellar with classic, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon blends. Their son John Jordan, in partnership with winemaker Rob Davis, built on that vision. Rob has been with Jordan since the inaugural 1976 vintage, a rare phenomenon in the wine world. Whether it’s his award-winning, spectacular wines, or the hospitality standards that are so top-notch, many consider them the best in the wine world, Jordan is a “must visit” on any serious wine lover’s list.
  3. J Vineyards. Judy Jordan, founder (and John Jordan’s sister), studied Earth Science/Geology at Stanford. Her heart, however, belonged to wine, specifically that of sparkling wine. In 1986, her dream of making méthode champenoise wines in California was fulfilled, and J Vineyards was born. She chose Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley for its cool climate and soil diversity that made for a uniquely harmonious terroir. She launched her single vineyard Pinot Noir program in 1994, and later, Chardonnay. These days, you can experience a full on culinary pairings at the Bubble Lounge, or simply stop by a striking tasting room for a sip.
  4. Passalacqua. Passalacqua represents five generations of land stewardship and grape growing. The U.S. chapter of the Passalacqua family album began back in 1865, when Francesco came to San Francisco from Genoa, Italy. He settled in the Healdsburg area and immediately planted vineyards, starting the sequence of multiple generations of growers, who stayed faithful to the land’s largesse. Jason Passalacqua is tasked with current family brand.
    wineries in sonoma valley
  5. Williams Selyem. Everybody’s favorite cult Pinot producer, Williams Selyem began as a shared dream of two friends, Burt Williams and Ed Selyem. Amateur winemakers, they started making wine on weekends, in 1979, in their garage. Their first commercial vintage was in 1981. Over three decades later, their cult-status winery is thriving. Considered by many the pioneers of new standards for New World Pinot Noir winemaking, the wines are as thought after as ever. Bob Cabral, winemaking superstar, passed the baton to Jeff Mangahas, who continues the legacy of stellar winemaking. Their extensive portfolio includes many renowned vineyard sources, such as Allen, Bacigalupi, Bucher, Coastlands, Calegari, Ferrington, Foss, Heintz, Morning Dew, Olivet Lane, Papera, Precious Mountain, Rochioli, Terra de Promisio and Weir.

As you can see from just these five examples among dozens of wineries in its surrounding Alexander, Russian River and Dry Creek Valleys, Healdsburg is occupying its rightful place in Sonoma Wine Country. It also makes for a great place to invest in real estate.

Perhaps you are now inspired to move to the idyllic hamlet of Healdsburg. If so, please contact me at 707-738-4820 or email [email protected]. As a top producing Realtor® in this area, I have access to some extraordinary wineries, vineyards, estates and homes that are not on the open market.

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